Philadelphia Eagles DT Beau Allen to be pursued by Redskins

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 25: Beau Allen
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 25: Beau Allen /
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The NFL Free Agency Period looms. The Washington Redskins are showing a genuine interest in Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Beau Allen.

We knew this time last year that the Philadelphia Eagles would have some financial constraints as the NFL Free Agency Period drew close. With Bennie Logan‘s departure in the middle of March, it appeared Beau Allen was set to have a bigger role in the Eagles’ defensive scheme. Then, there was the trade that brought Timmy Jernigan to the Eagles on April 4th. Jernigan was extended after nine games with the team, and the writing was on the wall.

Allen was certain to hit the free agent market as the Eagles were probably going to need to clear cap space for, not only this season, but next season as well.

It appears Allen already has a suitor.

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Whenever situations like these arise, especially when we’re discussing the more talented players a team is losing, the hope is that player lands in the opposite conference. Teams don’t want to give a competitive advantage to a team they may need to face in the playoffs. They definitely don’t want to give the advantage to a division rival.

Unfortunately, the Eagles may not be afforded that option as Allen’s most interested suitor might be one of the members of the NFC East. The Washington Redskins appear to be set to make a play for Allen when he walks. That’s good news for Allen, but it creates a question. The Redskins play in a 3-4 base set on defense. Allen is better suited for the 4-3 as he doesn’t fit the mold of a traditional nose tackle or a defensive end in the 3-4.

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Currently, the Eagles need to clear about $10.7 million in cap space to get under the salary cap. The NFL set the cap at $177.2 million on March 5th. The Redskins are already in good shape with $48.4 million that they can spend. Schematically, it will be interesting to see how the Redskins are intending to use Allen if they do, indeed, sign him. Then again, aren’t they always trying to place the right pieces in the wrong situations or in the wrong position?

We’ll have to wait and see what happens.